Grounding Electrode Conductors and a splice.

Submitted by DonHester on Thu, 08/17/2017 - 07:38.

Grounding Electrode Conductors and a splice. Wenatchee Home Inspections

In general, the grounding electrodes and their conductors create a connection of the electrical system to the earth (earthing). The earth is considered to be at zero potential. The second function of the system is to dissipate over-voltages into the earth. Overvoltages can come from the system itself or from lightning.

It is typically required that the grounding electrode conductor (GEC) should be one continuous length without a splice. But there there may become a time that it amay require a splice such as when work is done during remodeling or the replacement of existing electrical equipment. Another cause could be copper thieves. They have been known to cut or remove sections of the grounding electrode conductor. So what is next?

You are not allowed to just splice together as in this example from a home inspection.

The code states (from the 2014/2017 NEC);

250.64

(C) Continuous.

Except as provided in 250.30(A)(5) and (A)(6), 250.30(B)(1), and 250.68(C), grounding electrode conductor(s) shall be installed in one continuous length without a splice or joint. If necessary, splices or connections shall be made as permitted in (1) through (4):

1)Splicing of the wire-type grounding electrode conductor shall be permitted only by irreversible compression-type connectors listed as grounding and bonding equipment or by the exothermic welding process.

2)Sections of busbars shall be permitted to be connected together to form a grounding electrode conductor.

3)Bolted, riveted, or welded connections of structural metal frames of buildings or structures.

4)Threaded, welded, brazed, soldered or bolted-flange connections of metal water piping.

So we have 4 means of creating a splice.

Here is an example of a compression type of connector-

Here are examples of an exothermic weld type of connections, also know as a “Cadweld”



Cadweld plus Cadweld-Standard

“Remember that current always returns to its source through either an intentional or accidental path - electrons don’t care and they don’t read schematics!”

Gerke, D. and Kimmel, W

If you find any errors or have additional information that would expand on any code, building standards or manufacturer requirements please let me know.

NCW Home Inspections, LLC is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…

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Grounding Electrode Conductors and a splice.

Grounding Electrode Conductors and a splice. Wenatchee Home Inspections